AB1777-HPR INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF HAND EXERCISES ON GRIP STRENGTH, FUNCTIONALITY, DISEASE ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: S. Yardim, S. Y. Cetin, A. Ayan
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disease accompanied by psoriasis in the spondyloarthritis group and often progresses with peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis and spondylitis [1]. Majority of PsA patients have peripheral arthritis involvement [2]. In addition to peripheral arthritis in PsA patients, structural damage occurs in the joints as the process is chronic and progressive. This structural damage causes worsening of the functional status of the patients [3]. Worsening functionality reduces patients' quality of life. Also EULAR (Recent European League Against Rheumatism) recommends physical therapy in inflammatory arthritis including PsA [4]. It is known that individuals with PsA have lower hand strength, dexterity, coordination and functionality compared to their healthy peers [5]. There is no scientific study that applies a hand-focused home exercise program to improve the grip strength and functionality of the hand in individuals with PsA. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hand exercises on grip strength, functionality, disease activity, and quality of life in patients with PsA. <h3>Methods</h3> 37 PsA patients (29female, 8 male) with an average age of 50.32± 9.12 were included in this study. Patients were randomized into intervention (group 1) and control (group 2) groups. Group 1 received hand home exercises for 4 days a week for 8 weeks. Group 2 was on the waiting-list and they received the same exercises when the study was finished. The Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) was used to evaluate the disease activity. Hand Dynamometer and pinchmeter was used to evaluate the hand grip and pinch strength. Duruoz Hand Index (DHI), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Hand Functional Index (HFI), Nine Peg Hole Test (NPHT) were used to evaluate the hand functionality. Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life was used to evaluate the quality life. All evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the 8th week. <h3>Results</h3> When the groups were compared before training, there was no significant difference (p&gt; 0.05). In post-training comparisons, there was a significant difference in MHQ, hand grip and pinch strength in hand exrecises group. (p:0.02-0.00). In addition, after post-training, hand exercises group was found to be superior in terms of MHQ and NPHT compared with control group. <h3>Conclusion</h3> According to this study, hand exercises have a positive effect on grip strength and functionality in patients with PsA. Hand exercises should be included in rehabilitation programs as a home exercise to improve grip strength, functionality and daily living activities for patients with PsA. <h3>References</h3> [1]Ogdie A, Weiss P. The Epidemiology of Psoriatic Arthritis. Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America. 2015;41(4):545-68. [2]Perotta FM, Scriffignano S, Benfaremo D, New Insights in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Psoriatic Arthritis: A review. Rheumatol Ther.2021;8:639-649 [3]Feced Olmos CM, Alvarez-Calderon O, Hervas Marin D, Ivorra Cortes J, Pujol Marco C, Roman Ivorra JA. Relationship between structural damage with loss of strength and functional disability in psoriatic arthritis patients. Clin Biomech Elsevier Ltd.2019; 68:169-174. [4]Rausch Osthoff AK, Niedermann K, Braun J, et al. 2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(9): 1251–60. [5]Candiri B, Talu B, Karaoba D.D, et al Effect of psoriatic arthritis on the strength, proprioception, skill, coordination, and functional condition of the hand. Int J Rheum Dis.2022;25:47–55 <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.